Whisky Review/Tasting: Tauern Rogg

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Austria, specifically near Salzburg in the Tauern mountain chain.
Type: Single malt rye whiskey.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Matured for half a year in fresh French Limousin casks, followed by three and a half years in used Sauternes casks from France.
Age Statement: Distilled in 2010 and bottled in 2014.
Color and Clarity: Slightly hazy at 42% ABV, especially noticeable when the bottle is subjected to temperature changes.
Bottle Design: Features a plastic cork and a metal cap, with a unique stamp print in glass from Gugelhof. The bottle design is reminiscent of the Vithund from Mcmurrah from Sweden but is distinct to Gugelhof. Cask number 64 is specified.

Balance of Flavors: Harmonic blend of cereals, roasted aromas, dry plums, dark cereals, and ripe tannins. The alcohol is well-integrated.
Unique Characteristics: The whisky showcases a mix of fruitiness from the Sauternes casks and spicy rye notes, with an underlying earthiness and hints of caramel and oakiness from the French oak casks.
Comparison: The flavor profile is reminiscent of Canadian rye whiskies, which often feature a high percentage of rye in the blend.

Distillery History: Gugelhof, established in 1641, is claimed to be the oldest distillery in Austria and possibly the oldest in the Salzburg area, predating the oldest Scottish distilleries.
Production Insights: The rye used in Tauern Rogg grows at an altitude of 1000 meters (approximately 3000 feet), which is notable for contributing to the whisky's unique flavor profile.

Geographical Influence: The Tauern mountain chain and the high-altitude cultivation of rye contribute significantly to the whisky's identity and flavor profile.
Historical Context: The distillery's long history and its claim to being one of the oldest in Austria add to the cultural significance of Tauern Rogg.

"It's not that easy to malt a single rye." - Highlighting the challenges in producing rye whisky.
"The rye impacts your tongue, prickling on the tip of your tongue." - Describing the tactile sensation of tasting the whisky.
"It's long ago that I ate some earth in my childhood, yes, plums, it's like dried apricots." - A personal anecdote relating to the earthiness and fruitiness of the whisky.

Tauern Rogg is an Austrian single malt rye whisky, matured in French Limousin and Sauternes casks.
It features a harmonious blend of spicy rye, fruitiness, and earthy notes, with a unique flavor profile influenced by its high-altitude rye cultivation.
The distillery, Gugelhof, boasts a long history dating back to 1641, adding to the whisky's cultural significance.
The whisky is slightly hazy at 42% ABV, unchill-filtered, and likely uncolored, with a unique bottle design.

Rye Whisky Enthusiasts: Individuals with a preference for rye whiskies will appreciate Tauern Rogg's unique spicy and earthy profile.
Whisky Collectors: The limited production (only 498 bottles) and the historical significance of the distillery make it an attractive addition to any collection.
Adventurous Drinkers: Those interested in exploring whiskies from non-traditional whisky-producing countries will find Tauern Rogg intriguing due to its Austrian origin and distinctive flavor profile.